...One example of these limits is the bilateral agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom. Designations between the United States and Heathrow airport in London are limited to two for each country and since both designations are already taken, we cannot serve London Heathrow, even though we desire to do so. Additionally, the bilateral agreement limits frequencies which would prevent us from expanding our service above a predefined number of weekly frequencies. Finally, even if we received a Heathrow designation, we could not serve it from Houston or Cleveland because of point limits. (emphasis added)

***Continental On BA .......... as it is incensed that British Airways, the dominant airline at London Heathrow, has continued to purchase the limited number of airport slots available. An "airport slot" provides a carrier with the right to take off or land from an airport. Indeed, British Airways announced that it has agreed to purchase four slots held by 1 of only 2 U.S. carriers permitted to operate at London Heathrow, which is an airport closed to new competition. The purchase comes just after British Airways' purchase of 16 slots from European airline Swiss last month & numerous British Airways slot purchases over the past 5 years. It also marks the 1st time in recent memory that Heathrow slots held by a U.S. carrier have been bought by the dominant British carrier. "Over the past few years, British Airways has ruthlessly strengthened its iron grip on Heathrow by purchasing the limited number of slots held by distressed carriers," said Continental.